Guide to renting an allotment

If you have run out of space in your garden or even if you haven’t, renting an allotment is a way of gaining ground to grow your own fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Benefits of having an allotment

The benefits of having an allotment include:

it’s an affordable source of fresh fruit and vegetables
it reduces your exposure to pesticides
gives you fresh air and healthy exercise
it helps reduce stress and can give you a sense of achievement
it’s good for the environment, providing green spaces and wildlife habitats

The allotment is rented to you for growing vegetables and fruit for you and your family.

Getting an allotment

Contact your local council to find out if they have allotment sites and for application details.

If there are no council allotments in your area, your council may be able to supply details of privately owned allotment sites.

Find your local council

Facilities

Facilities will vary, but there are some basic things that you can normally expect:

safe and secure access for all users (main paths should be kept clear)
an accessible water supply (the cost is often included in the rent)
adequate security measures against vandalism, like good fences and hedges

Some allotment sites may also provide:

toilets
huts that serve as a meeting place
sheds for plot holders (you may be charged extra for these)

Your rights and responsibilities as a plotholder

Your rights and responsibilities are set out in a tenancy agreement with the allotment provider.

As a plotholder, you will normally be expected to:

keep your allotment clean
maintain it in a good state of cultivation
keep minor paths clear
keep children and pets under control

What can I do with my plot?

The main use of allotments is to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables. Depending on your agreement and any other regulations, you may also be able to:

keep hens and rabbits
keep bees
keep certain other livestock
build a hut, if one is not provided (it’s recommended that you seek planning permission first)
build a pond (subject to certain safety restrictions)

Plotholders are also expected to properly store, use and dispose of any pesticides and fertilisers. Your allotment provider may be able to give you advice on this, and on organic gardening.